A group of Johnson City stakeholders has formed Community History 365 (CH365), a local effort to utilize Black History 365 to increase awareness in our community of its history. CH365 will start free Black History classes for adults starting Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 2-4 pm. A free monthly “Lunch and Learn” will begin Sept. […]
A $10,000 donation from the Morris-Baker Community Fund will support ongoing work to rehabilitate Langston High School. Preston McKee, president of Morris-Baker Funeral Home, announced the gift during a press conference today held at the Johnson City Municipal Building. McKee said the donation is intended to bring a once vibrant community resource back […]
Two LEAD Youth Ambassadors have been recognized as “Commended Students” in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Andrew M. Keith, second from left, and Rachel K. Smith, second from right, were honored at a Johnson City Schools Board of Education meeting on Nov. 6. 2018. These Science Hill High School students have worked alongside our […]
For months, we’ve been raising money for renovations to the former Langston High School building. We’ve been talking about what the space will be used for and how it will benefit future generations. We’re excited by the possibilities this project offers and how it will shape our community for years to come. Now, thanks to […]
In the 53 years since graduating from Langston high School, Norman Howard has experienced a lot. During his career, he was trained to direct fighter jets in the US Air Force to targets, managed human resources for two of Ford Motor Company’s massive automotive plants and determined how much to pay Brazilian employees during a […]
As if you needed another reason to enjoy a piece of pie, Buttermilk Pie Shop has partnered with LEAD to raise money to fund renovations at Langston High School. From September 11-13, 20 percent of proceeds from sales at Buttermilk Pie Shop will be donated to LEAD. The pie shop is located at 3135 People’s […]
LEAD has a chance to secure $25,000 in grant funding from the First Tennessee Foundation, and we need your help to win! All you need to do is vote for our video in the First Tennessee Foundation’s 25 Years of Giving contest. Just click the link and create an account. A valid email address is all […]
We have exciting news to share! Please join us for a public forum on Saturday, Aug. 18 from noon-2 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave., Johnson City. LEAD board members will give an update on our campaign and answer any questions you have about this exciting grassroots project. We look forward to […]
Johnny Russaw knew he was going to change things when he started school at East Tennessee State University in 1964. As the school’s first black football player, Russaw broke barriers while amassing a stellar athletic career at ETSU. “I knew I was going to change environments. I had always been in all-black environments. It was […]
Without the support of businesses in our community, restoring Langston High School to its former glory would just not be possible. That’s why we’re so appreciative of General Shale. General Shale has committed to donating the brick products required for the facility’s exterior additions as well as brick, masonry materials and labor for the front […]